How to See Power BI Version

Checking your Power BI Desktop version is a quick but essential step to ensure you have the latest features, bug fixes, and security patches. This small piece of information can save you hours of troubleshooting and help you get the most out of the tool. This article will walk you through several easy methods for finding your version number and explain why it’s so important to keep it current.

Why Does Your Power BI Version Matter?

You might think a version number is just a technical detail, but in the fast-moving world of Power BI, it has a direct impact on your work. The development team at Microsoft releases updates every single month, packing them with new functionality. Here’s why staying on top of your version is crucial.

Access to New Features and Visuals

Each monthly update brings a wave of new tools to your fingertips. These aren’t just minor tweaks, they often include powerful new DAX functions, advanced formatting options, entirely new chart types, and connectors for different data sources. If you're running a version from six months ago, you're missing out on a significant amount of new functionality that could make your reports more insightful and easier to build.

Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements

No software is perfect. Microsoft is constantly gathering user feedback and fixing bugs. Your older version might have a known issue that causes slow performance or incorrect calculations, which has likely been addressed in a newer release. Updating is the simplest way to get a smoother, more stable experience.

Critical Security Updates

In a business environment, data security is non-negotiable. Power BI connects to sensitive company data, and Microsoft regularly releases security patches to protect against vulnerabilities. Running an outdated version could expose your organization to unnecessary risks. Adhering to your IT department's guidelines on software updates is key, and often, that means staying on an approved, current version.

Compatibility with Power BI Service and Teammates

This is a big one for collaborative teams. The Power BI Service (the cloud-based platform where you publish and share reports) is always running on the latest version. While it’s generally good at maintaining backward compatibility, using a very old version of Power BI Desktop to publish reports can sometimes lead to unexpected issues. More commonly, you'll run into problems if you're sharing a .pbix file. When you try to open a file that was saved in a newer version of Power BI, you will see a prompt like: "This report might not be compatible - This file was created with the May 2024 version of Power BI Desktop. We recommend updating your app to ensure the content renders properly and to avoid any unintended changes when you save." A quick search for "[the latest month and year] Power BI Desktop" will tell you how current your version is.

How to Find Your Power BI Version

Fortunately, Microsoft makes it easy to find your version number. Here are the three most common methods, ranging from an in-app check to a quick look in your Windows settings.

Method 1: The 'About' Window in Power BI Desktop

This is the most direct and detailed method. If you can open the application, this is the best way to get all the information you need in one place.

1. Open Power BI Desktop.
2. In the top-left corner, click on the File tab.
3. From the dropdown menu, navigate to Help and then choose About.
4. A pop-up window will appear called "About." It displays the full version information.

You'll see something like this:

• Version: 2.128.1812.0 64-bit (May 2024)

The "About" window also provides other useful information, including your Session ID and other details requested when submitting a support ticket. Be mindful not to share this kind of information on online forums. Reserve it only for Microsoft official support tickets. Here's a quick guide on the version numbers: Year, which is listed second, Month is third, and Minor Release or Patch is the fourth number. The (May 2024) clearly states the monthly release it corresponds to. The 64-bit note indicates you’re using the standard, more powerful version of the application, which is better, especially compared to its 32-bit predecessor. Modern computers since 2011 use 64-bit processors, which handle large amounts of memory more effectively than their 32-bit counterparts - a requirement to enable Power BI speed and performance on today's large datasets and visualizations. There are few use cases for a 32-bit version of Power BI except when a 32-bit legacy database or software system such as Microsoft Access only has a 32-bit database driver available.

Method 2: Using Windows Settings (Apps & Features)

This method is great if you can’t open Power BI for some reason or just want a quick answer without launching the app.

For Windows 10 Users:

1. Open the Start Menu and start typing "Add or remove programs." Click on the result.
2. In the "Apps & features" list, scroll down or use the search box and type "Power BI Desktop."
3. Click on Microsoft Power BI Desktop. The version number will appear directly below the app's name.

For Windows 11 Users:

1. Open the Start Menu, go to Settings, and click on Apps, then Installed apps.
2. Scroll down or search for "Power BI Desktop."
3. Click the three-dot menu (...) next to the app's name and choose Advanced options.
4. The version number will be listed under the "Specifications" section.

Method 3: Checking the Microsoft Store

If you installed Power BI Desktop from the Microsoft Store, you can check its version there. The store version is popular because it updates automatically in the background, maintaining the most current features effortlessly.

1. Open the Microsoft Store app on your computer.
2. Click on the Library icon in the bottom-left menu.
3. Find Power BI Desktop in your list of installed applications. The current version number installed on your device will be listed next to it.

Standalone Installer vs. Microsoft Store Version

When you install Power BI Desktop, you have two main choices, each with its own pros and cons related to version control.

• Standalone Installer (.exe or .msi): This is the traditional method where you download an executable file directly from the Power BI website.
• Microsoft Store Version: This version is installed and managed through the Windows Store app.

Neither method is definitively "better" - it depends on your personal preference or your company's policy. If you're an individual user or a small business without strict IT controls, the Microsoft Store version offers a convenient, "set it and forget it" experience.

How to Keep Power BI Desktop Up-to-Date

Now that you know how to check your version and understand the difference between installation types, how do you make sure you stay current?

• For the Standalone Version: The easiest way is to periodically visit the official Power BI Desktop download page. Download the latest installer and run it. The setup wizard will automatically uninstall your old version and install the new one while keeping your settings. Additionally, Power BI itself will automatically notify you when a new version is available through a pop-up window or ribbon within the app, guiding you to their download site.
• For the Microsoft Store Version: It's all automated! However, if you're eager to get the latest release the moment it's out, you can manually trigger a check. Open the Microsoft Store, go to Library, and click the Get updates button in the top-right corner. It will search for and install updates for all of your Store apps, including Power BI.

Final Thoughts

Checking your Power BI Desktop version is more than just a procedural task, it's a gateway to leveraging the app's full potential. By keeping your application up-to-date, you gain access to powerful new features, ensure compatibility with your team, and maintain a secure and stable reporting environment. Taking a few seconds to run this check regularly will pay off in the long run.

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